Three jaw-dropping 1950s Alfa Romeo concepts are coming to the British capital later this month in a rare public appearance.
BAT 5, 7 (above) and 9 are Franco Scaglione-penned stunners designed for Bertone, and first stunned the public at the Turin Motor Show for three consecutive years from 1953.
Now you’ll be able to see them for yourself at the exhibition ‘Trinity: B.A.T. 5-7-9’, presented by auction house Phillips at its London base on 20-23 November.
BAT 5 dates from 1953
The earliest of these concepts is BAT 5 – the ‘BAT’ bit stands for Berlina Aerodinamica Tecnica – and it clearly references the then-popular aesthetic of ’50s Americana as well as exploring aerodynamic design.
All three were first displayed as a set 30 years ago for a Bertone tribute at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and have been together since.
Following restoration in 2005, they returned to Pebble Beach’s concours and have been exhibited elsewhere in the US, but European appearances remain rare.
And, unlike some concept cars, all three BAT Alfa Romeos are fully functional.
See the concept BAT 9 later this month in London
“As the only international auction house to focus exclusively on the 20th and 21st centuries, we have a commitment to promoting the works of art and design that define modern and contemporary culture,” said Edward Dolman, CEO, Phillips.
“‘Trinity: BAT 5-7-9’ represents a masterpiece of art and engineering, of modernity and progress, of sculptural and timeless form – they are monuments to a moment in time.
“We are honoured to have been entrusted with the exhibition of these cars, and look forward to unveiling them to the public.”
These Alfa Romeo concepts can be seen at Phillips Berkeley Square (30 Berkeley Square, London W1J 6EX) from 20-23 November, between 10am and 6pm; neither tickets nor pre-booking are required.
Images: © 2019 Peter Harholdt
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